Ways of studying the brain

Question 1

How does functional magnetic resonance imaging work? (fMRI)

Answer 1

-Detects changes in both blood oxygenation and flow that occur as a result of neural activity in specific parts of the brain - when doing task

-researchers detect was areas are rich in oxygen thus active

Question 2

Strengths of fMRI’s

Answer 2

-does not rely on use of radiation if administered correclty it is virtually risk free non-invasive/straightforward to use
-produces images that have high spatial resolution (1mm) (clear picture)

Question 3

Limitation of fMRI’s

Answer 3

-expensive compared to other neuroimaging techniques
-poor temporal resolution (1-45s)
-unsuitable for those with claustrophobia

Question 4

How does an electroencephalogram work? (EEG)

Answer 4

-measures electrical activity in the brain via electrodes that are fixed to individuals scalp using skull cap

• detects neural activity
• can help diagnose certain conditions e.g. epilepsy

Question 5

Strengths of EEG’s

Answer 5

-high temporal resolution (1-10ms)
-cheaper than fMRI’s
-useful in diagnosis of epilepsy

Question 6

Limitation of EEG’s

Answer 6

-poor spatial resolution, cannot pinpoint exact source of neuracl activity (general regions)

Question 7

How do event-related potentials work?

Answer 7

-uses electrodes fixed to scalp to detect brain waves
-different to EEG’s, stimulus is presented to participant and researcher looks for activity related to stimulus
(specific to particular event)

Question 8

Strengths of ERP’s

Answer 8

-good temporal resolution (1-10ms)
-cheaper than fMRI’s
-non-invasive
-can measure brain activity linked to tasks

Question 9

Limitation of ERP’s

Answer 9

-poor spatial resolution
-difficult to contr0l extraneous variables

Question 10

How do Post-mortem examinations work?

Answer 10

-analysis of brain after death
-to determine whether certain observed behaviours during persons lifetime can be linked to structural abnormalities in the brain

Question 11

strengths of post-mortem examination

Answer 11

• both Broca and Wernicke relied on post-mortem examinations
  -enables deeper regions of the brain to be investigated

Question 12

Limitations of Post-mortem examinations

Answer 12

-ethical issues, consent from individual before death
-can’t investigate brain activity during specific tasks